Tips for controlling diabetes

Experts from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are ready to answer readers’ questions. Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjbh.org.

I now have Type 2 diabetes. What can I do to make it go away?

People living with diabetes are told by their doctors to lose weight, watch their diet and exercise. That is because these are critical factors to control your diabetes, along with proper medication if needed.

Losing weight is often very difficult for patients, but if you are over your ideal weight, you must try to lose weight to reduce and control your blood sugars. Losing weight also has many other health benefits.

People often ask if their diabetes will ever go away. This really depends on type, how long you have had your diabetes, lifestyle, body weight, genetics history and how severe your diabetes is. People have been known to control their diabetes or regain control with a proper diet, weight control and exercise, without the need for medications.

Wellness programs can be very helpful. In our practice, the RWJ Wellness Advantage combines counseling, support, nutrition and exercise. When these programs are unsuccessful medically-supervised weight loss and bariatric/metabolic surgery are other options to explore.

You should always try to eat foods which are high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, low in fat and low in added sugars, especially items with high fructose corn syrup. Avoid pasta, white flour, pizza and desserts. Try to increase green leafy vegetables and low fat meats such as chicken in your diet.

If your health conditions allow you to do so, try to exercise or walk for 30 minutes a day 4- 5 times a week. You can also split the walk into two 15 minute walks per day. If you cannot walk or exercise on a regular basis, try to walk whenever you can. When you grocery shop, try to walk through every aisle even if you don’t need anything in that aisle. This will give you more walking time. Also try parking further away so you are forced to walk more. Get in the habit of adding walking time as much as you can.

—Dr. Lubna Ahmed, RWJ Medical Associates, RWJmedical.com

This content is intended to encourage a healthy lifestyle. For medical advice and treatment, see a physician. Concerned about your health? Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjbh.org